A micro-simulation model system of individuals' daily activity behavior that incorporates spatial, temporal and coupling constraints

Abstract

A micro-simulation model system of individuals' daily activity behavior is presented. This simulation model incorporates spatial, temporal and coupling constraints that restrict individuals' daily activity behavior. The model system, entitled PCATS (Prism-Constrained Activity-Travel Simulator), is composed of an activity choice model, a mode and destination choice model and activity duration models. The parameters contained in these sub-models are estimated using activity diary data. The estimation results point to the importance of treating daily activity and travel as a whole, and incorporating time-space constraints into analysis. PCATS is applied to estimate the effect of hypothetical transportation policies on an imaginary individual. The results indicate that PCATS can estimate the effect of change in work-hours or commuting time on individuals' activity and travel behavior.